Social and economic development. Рубрика в журнале - Arctic and North
Scientific article
The article presents the authors’ vision of the emerging geopolitical factors determining Russia’s position in the global energy infrastructure, which allowed identifying problems and defining priorities and directions of spatial organization of the Arctic system of energy transport communications, expanding the possibilities of involvement of highly liquid energy resources of the Russian Arctic into active economic turnover. The purpose of the study is to analyze the prospects of the economic development of Arctic energy resources in the context of projected changes in the world economic order from the standpoint of ensuring the long-term energy sustainability of the national economy and strengthening Russia’s position in the energy markets of the Asia-Pacific region. The data presented in the study show the vulnerability of the current export-oriented model of the resource-raw materials economy in Russia due to technological and infrastructural limitations of transport logistics. The study substantiates the need to form a new world-system infrastructure for the country’s energy security using the natural resource potential and geo-economic advantages of the Arctic territories. This implies the involvement of highly liquid reserves of fossil energy resources in the Arctic into active economic turnover through the creation of mineral resource centers (MRCs) included in the structure of world economic fuel and energy relations. To achieve this goal, a conceptual model of spatial organization of the Arctic system of energy transport communications is proposed, which combines marine, coastal and land infrastructure facilities into intermodal energy transport corridors (IETC), opening additional opportunities for participation in global, national, interregional value chains and providing a synergetic effect of development of remote Arctic territories.
Free
Spatial Organisation of Gas Resources Development in the Yamal Oil and Gas Bearing Region
Scientific article
The Yamal oil and gas province (OGP) is strategically important for the Russian gas industry. In the coming decade, gas production in Yamal is expected to grow to 180–200 billion cubic meters per year. The main goal of the article is to solve a scientific problem consisting in the study of the spatial organization of the development of gas resources, determination of the rational structure of reproduction of natural gas reserves in the Yamal oil-gas-bearing region in the context of the modernization of the Arctic gas industry complex. The article assessed the gas resources of Yamal, revealed trends in the economic development of natural gas fields, presented the characteristics of investment projects based on the fields being developed. An analysis was carried out that made it possible to differentiate the deposits by the degree of their prospects, and a strategy for expanding the hydrocarbon potential of Yamal was determined. It was revealed that the main areas of production in the Yamal oil-gas-bearing region are associated with the development of deposits with a high level of Cenomanian deposits. Such deposits are characterized by a higher increase in the capitalization and profitability of investment projects in real time compared to fields located in the northern and far eastern seas, including on the shelf of the Kara Sea. It was concluded that the strategy for the reproduction of hydrocarbon potential will be aimed at conducting prospecting and exploration in order to transfer forecast resources to industrial reserves of natural gas. The study applies a general scientific methodology providing for systemic and comprehensive approaches to justify the spatial organisation of gas resources development in the Yamal oil and gas bearing region. A significant body of factual material on the state of free gas and condensate reserves in Yamal has been analyzed. The results of the research were obtained with the use of comparative-analytical, statistical methods of economic analysis.
Free
Spatial Organization of Gas Resources Development on the Arctic Shelf of the Russian Federation
Scientific article
Being strategic, the Arctic shelf is a region with an extremely low level of exploration. The undiscovered hydrocarbon resources on the Russian Arctic shelf exceed 90%. The long-term development of strategic programs and projects for the development of gas production on the shelf are constrained by insufficient technical accessibility of industrial development, as well as the difficulty of assessing the actual volume of initial potential oil and gas resources. The reproduction of free gas reserves has been assessed, the level of parity between production and growth of explored reserves has been determined. The state of the gas resources of the Arctic shelf was studied taking into account localization in oil and gas regions, which allowed to make a conclusion about the degree of exploration of the resource base and to identify the basis for the gas potential. The factors restraining the development of offshore projects were identified and analyzed. It was determined that offshore projects should be presented to investors with more attractive operational, technological and economic indicators than alternative onshore projects. The lack of tested methods for the development of hydrocarbons at superdeep depths under severe ice conditions does not allow to fully assessing the economic efficiency of offshore gas projects in the Arctic. It is concluded that within the resource base of Arctic offshore fields, it is necessary to allocate the static (probabilistic) potential of hydrocarbon resources of the Arctic region. The need to transform the Arctic foreign policy is identified.
Free
Scientific article
The article analyzes the possibilities of studying the issues of the interterritorial distribution of the economy, taking into account maritime communications in the development of solid minerals in the western sector of the Russian Arctic on the basis of interaction of national and corporate interests at the regional level. Relatively large deposits of solid minerals are located in this region. The development of non-ferrous metal deposits, taking into account the requirements of rational nature management, is the engine of economic development in the western Arctic regions of Russia. An urgent task is the scientific substantiation of favorable conditions for the comprehensive development of marine activities, necessary technological and human potential, economic benefits from the use of domestic marine potential, mineral resources and spaces of the western part of the Russian Arctic in the interests of national security, economic development and improving the welfare of citizens of the Russian Federation. The information framework is based on the experience of developing lead-zinc ore deposits in the Arctic. The topic under study is consistent with the provisions of regional and sectoral economics, as well as spatial economics. This scientific basis makes it possible to substantiate the spatial organization of the national economy in the development of solid minerals in the western part of the Russian Arctic.
Free
Scientific article
Interest in the Arctic zone has increased significantly in recent years. Russia, due to its geography and history, is an active, interested and direct subject involved in all the socio-economic processes taking place here. However, despite the significant efforts of the state, there are still certain difficulties in solving a number of social problems, which may hinder the development of the Arctic regions. In many respects, the successful solution of such problems depends on the cooperation of state institutions and the nonprofit sector. The purpose of the study is to assess the impact of state financial support for socially oriented non-profit organizations (NPOs) on the sustainable development of the Russian Arctic. The main objective of the study is to analyze the impact of financial support for SONPOs in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation on the sustainable development of the Arctic regions. The researchers put forward a hypothesis that financial support for the non-profit sector is an important driver of sustainable development of the Arctic regions of Russia. The main results of the study are the analysis of state financial support for NPOs in the Arctic region, as well as the author’s classification of the goals of NPOs and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The study presents the results of the all-Russian survey on the activities of SONPOs.
Free
Status and specifics of the housing market in the Arctic regions of Russia
Scientific article
This paper aims to analyze and identify the specifics of housing industry development in the regions of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation using methods of comparative, analysis, statistical methods of grouping indicators, the method of scoring points. In the course of the work, an analysis of economic indicators of the housing market development, an assessment of the population's effective demand for housing. The main trends in the housing market development in the arctic regions were identified. The results show insufficient and uneven rates of construction of housing, a high share of emergency housing, and low investment in the housing industry in some regions. A disparity was observed between real estate prices and the population income because the population debt burden on the housing credit is quite high. According to the developed by the authors’ method of assessing the housing market based on selected indicators, the main problems are characterized and the development of the housing market in the arctic regions is assessed. It was found that in some regions the level of economic indicators of housing market development and the population's solvency significantly lags the Russian trends. The results have practical significance for the federal and regional authorities in creating housing policies and the implementation programs of national projects in the sphere of housing affordability, the main directions which should be demographic to attract and increase the resident population in the Russian Arctic, as well as the regulatory functions of the housing market by reducing interest rates and stimulating the construction industry development.
Free
Scientific article
The Russian Arctic has been attracting a growing interest in terms of research and management. The former is due to the lack of knowledge about current processes in its development in the rapidly changing internal and external environments, and the latter is driven by the rising significance of this macroregion in ensuring the country’s economic, ecological, geopolitical stability, and national security. Being interdependent, these interest spheres evidence the demand for the study of Arctic regions, especially newly established ones, and underlie its practical value, which consists in building the analytical foundations for working out and implementing the administrative mechanisms for socio-economic space integration in Arctic regions. Hence, the aim of this study is to define the strategic development priorities for the regional socio-economic system of the Karelian Arctic as a newly established region in the context of the multifarious Russian Arctic integration processes. This aim is achieved through the following tasks: analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the socio-economic system of the Karelian Arctic, identification of key challenges and opportunities for its development, identification of the strategic priorities to overcome threats and realize opportunities. The principal methods were expert and in-depth interviews, SWOT analysis and content analysis, the dialectic method and system approach, which were applied in the context of the propositions of spatial economics. As a result of the study, characteristics of the Karelian Arctic’s socio-economic system are identified in the context of the high-relevance problems of managing the development of the Arctic macroregion as a complex system. Directions for further research are defined, with the aim to build the scientific foundations for managing the spatial development of the Russian Arctic zone and its constituent regions and for handling the challenges hindering such development.
Free
Strategic Trends in Energy Development of the Northern Territories of Russia
Scientific article
The dynamic development of the energy market is the source of Russia’s energy diversification processes. The study presents key areas in the development of the Russian energy sector, taking into account new trends and challenges. The Arctic zone of the Russian Federation is potentially becoming a growth driver for the energy market and opens up “new windows” for the country’s economic development. It is determined that the structure of consumption, use of resources, generation and transmission of electricity is changing. Long-term trends in the energy transition demonstrate a change in the energy balance in favor of clean energy sources: wind, solar, nuclear, geothermal, hydropower, hydrogen, and bioenergy. The development of hydrogen energy, including in the northern territories of Russia, creates a reliable basis for integration into the global hydrogen infrastructure. The change in the energy balance in favor of renewable energy sources (RES) is presented. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), RES will account for up to 95% of new energy capacity additions by 2026. The global climate agenda — the rejection of fossil fuels — creates new challenges for the Russian economy and the development of its Arctic investment projects. It has been established that the current situation in the context of global technological breakthroughs and climate change is shaping the transition from vertical integration to distributed generation and decentralization. The purpose of the study is to analyze current trends in the development of the energy market, based on the results of which it is necessary to adjust the approaches of the Russian energy sector to future development, making maximum use of the opportunities of the northern territories of Russia.
Free
Support Economic Complexes of the Arctic Region of Russia
Scientific article
The study examines the key vectors of economic intensification of the formation of support complexes for the regions of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation. In the high latitudes of the country, Russian scientists conduct research in a wide range of scientific areas related to the study of the climatic state of the Arctic, the availability of natural resources, changes in the natural landscape, the application of high-tech methods in the industrial production of strategic products and materials. Climatic and environmental components are the main focus of Arctic scientific research, ensuring the sustainable development of the Far North regions. An important role is given to international cooperation within the framework of the Arctic Council, which is responsible for implementing timely decisions to promote situational approaches related to rapid climate change and other urgent tasks in the Arctic. The study presents newly created industrial facilities in the areas of large open deposits, the construction of new ports and port infrastructure, implemented investment projects in the Arctic agglomerations, on the basis of which it is possible to conclude that the system of state support has been optimized and that businesses are ready to assist in the development of existing and promising projects. It is specified that the economic potential of natural resources and the degree of their use depend on the effectiveness of the applied measures of technological and regulatory nature. The role of the cities of the Far North as large industrial and energy centers with a diversified economy, developed urban environment, high-quality medical care and decent educational activities, which are the basis of the supporting economic complexes of the Arctic zone of the country, is noted. The main directions for transport and logistics support, development of mineral resource centers, energy and infrastructure support are presented in order to form the support economic complexes of the Arctic region of Russia.
Free
The Arctic Geo-Economy: Mobility of Strategic Oil Resources at the End of Globalization
Scientific article
A distinctive feature of the cyclical dynamics of global development is the rapid transformation of the maxim of “global superiority” into softer forms of leadership on the geopolitical and economic atlas of the modern world, such as “national power” and/or “regional advantage”. This requires a concentration of resources to achieve the latter's mobility on the strategic movement trends of contemporary Russia. The importance of oil and petroleum products in the formation of the Russian Federal Budget and the National Welfare Fund cannot be overestimated. Today, oil is essentially the main source for the successful implementation of the special military operation and, at the same time, ensuring the progressive development of Russia. The article substantiates the necessity to maintain the economic turnover of oil resources development, including in the Arctic, carries out an expert assessment of three options for the development of oil production: reduction of production; reduction of oil exports against the background of increasing domestic consumption; and ensuring the mobility of export supplies to find and develop new markets.
Free
Scientific article
The article examines the current state of development of small innovative technology companies in the Arctic regions of North-Western Russia. Statistical surveys, questionnaires and in-depth interviews were conducted to identify the most promising forms of support for innovation in small innovative companies, allowing for the differentiation of mechanisms to maximize the effects of regional support measures. The basic factors influencing the interaction of business and science within the framework of technological innovations are presented. The analysis allows identifying current problems and difficulties that hinder the implementation of effective innovations: weak human resources potential of the Arctic regions; low interest of small and medium-sized enterprises in innovations. In order to form the innovative infrastructure of the Arctic regions, it is important to adopt regional programs for the development of cluster formations, especially industrial ones, as well as to develop projects aimed at mobilizing the innovative potential of the regions and including them in the strategy of socio-economic development of the territories. Accordingly, to implement these intentions, it is necessary to carry out coordinated work on a range of issues. It is required to develop a legislative framework for the creation of innovative spaces, industrial, environmental and tourist territorial clusters. At the same time, the introduction of new types of activities by small innovative companies requires the creation of a comprehensive list of organizations supplying innovative products that are in demand by residents of the Arctic zone, with the application of appropriate preferences.
Free
Scientific article
At present, new financial mechanisms of interaction between employees and employers in the context of market relations are being formed and improved in Russia. The decisive factor in workers’ performance is their financial motivation and stimulation. The determinative of productivity of an enterprise activity is remuneration efficiency as a base of laborers’ financial motivation and stimulation. The remuneration is a flexible element of distributive relations and it is impossible to create an effective motivational mechanism without an establishment of its communication with final results. Such indices as salary distribution and salary intensity as basic indicators of wage efficiency assessment have been used in the paper. The object of the research is sixteen large and medium-sized fishing enterprises in the Arkhangelsk region as a part of the Arctic fishing cluster. These enterprises catch fish in the Barents and Norwegian seas, as well as in the North Atlantic. It has been shown that the financial results of fishing enterprises depend on external conditions — primarily on the quotas for fish catch and the price of fish products. In the research, the authors have proceeded from the following hypotheses: the Arctic fishing cluster’s enterprises operate in a monopsony on the labor market; there is a pattern between the size of wage fund and financial performance of the Arctic fishery cluster enterprises; the change in wage fund is an effective mechanism to improve the efficiency of the Arctic fishery cluster. In the course of the research, the following interrelated tasks have been solved: the identification of the features of the Arctic fishing cluster’s labor market; the assessment of the effectiveness of the wage fund use for the Arctic fishing cluster’s enterprises based on the author's methodology; the identification of the importance of the problem of insufficient efficiency of wage fund use in the Arctic fishing cluster.
Free
The Food Security Doctrine: Regional Aspects
Scientific article
The article discusses issues of the state of the agro-industrial complex of the region in connection with the need to fulfill the targets approved in January 2020 by the new edition of the Food Security Doctrine of Russia. The purpose of the study is to identify the problems of the northern region and to develop proposals for changing the situation for the successful implementation of the Doctrine. The scientific problem discussed in the article relates to the determination of the methodological foundations of the most relevant areas of agrarian policy for the current state, ensuring the implementation of the Food Security Doctrine of Russia and increasing the level of self-sufficiency of the region. The author's research develops the theory of determining the socio-economic role of effective interaction between authorities of different levels, scientific justification of the prospects for the further development of the agro-industrial complex due to the transformation of the industry development management system, innovative approach to training personnel for the agricultural sector, and introduction of new technological solutions as highly relevant. It has been established that such factors as the lack of effective interaction between the state and municipal authorities, and also the lack of young qualified personnel, whose competence meets the modern requirements, have a negative impact on the economy of agricultural production and food self-sufficiency of the region as a whole. The article draws attention to the underestimated opportunities for improving the situation in the agro-industrial complex due to a change in the scheme of interaction between the state and municipal authorities during the implementation of the program-targeted method of regulation and strategic planning, as well as the creation of a scientific and educational complex in the region for the training of competitive specialists for the agro-industrial complex. In order to improve the situation, it is necessary to consolidate the formation of a regional agricultural system on the basis of a set of similar systems developed by the municipalities themselves, based on the relevant climatic conditions, financial, material and labor resources of these areas. Besides, it is necessary to start the training of personnel for the agroindustrial complex system from school, applying new educational standards, based on scientific developments.
Free
The Nuclear Icebreaker Fleet and Its Role in the Economic Development of the Northern Sea Route
Scientific article
This scientific article studies the development of nuclear icebreakers, the history of their commissioning and service; the growth of nuclear icebreaker capacity is investigated. The Soviet and Russian stages of their history have been compared. A diagram of this development was constructed. Key tactical and technical data of nuclear icebreakers are compared; their proportionality and similarity are proved. The prospects of the nuclear icebreaker fleet development are investigated. The growth of cargo turnover along the Northern Sea Route in 1933–2022 is analyzed and systematized. The development of nuclear icebreakers is compared with the growth of cargo turnover along the Northern Sea Route, their interdependence is proved; the diagram of this interdependence is constructed. The reasons for the influence of both the development of the human economy and political events in and around Russia on the changes in the grouping of nuclear icebreakers are revealed. It is identified that the volumes of transportations along the Northern Sea Route in the 21st century are many times higher than in the Soviet era, largely due to the growth of the quality and quantity of the nuclear icebreaker fleet. The reasons for the reduction of the nuclear icebreaker fleet at the beginning of the 21st century under the influence of the general temporary reduction of cargo flows along the Northern Sea Route are shown. Maximum small and optimal sizes of nuclear icebreakers grouping for effective operation of the Northern Sea Route are specified.
Free
The Russian Far East North Attractiveness for Chinese Investment: Problems and Prospects
Scientific article
The Far Eastern Federal District should objectively be the main beneficiary of the strategic partnership between Moscow and Beijing. However, for more than 10 years now, the three northern regions of the Far East — Kamchatka Krai, Magadan Oblast and the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug — demonstrate zero investment activity by Chinese entrepreneurs. This mesoregion, accounting for almost 10% of our country’s territory, is extremely rich in mineral and biological resources, possesses impressive tourism potential, and, moreover, provides several ports along the Northern Sea Route (NSR); yet it still does not receive any direct Chinese investment. The article examines the main challenges to the investment attractiveness of the northern regions of the Far East, as well as the dynamics of investment in fixed capital and foreign direct investment in the Far East regions. It also analyzes changes in gross regional product (GRP). Investment rating indicators for these regions are presented, and their components are characterized. It is noted that the preferential regimes of the Far East, such as the territories of advanced development (TAD), confirm their effectiveness, and the launch of the mechanism for international territories of advanced development (ITAD) in 2026 will be a supportive factor for investment cooperation. The main issues hindering the risk appetite of Chinese investors are outlined. The objectives of attracting foreign investors and restructuring activities to identify new business areas and enhance investment attractiveness are defined.
Free
The blue economy in the Arctic Ocean: governing aquaculture in Alaska and North Norway
Scientific article
In the Arctic, the concept of the blue economy is increasingly dominating discussions on regional development. This entails utilising the region’s ocean-based resources in a sustainable way - both from a global and local level, as well as from an environmental and economic perspective. A crucial aspect in this development is how blue activities are regulated. The UNCLOS-regime plays a vital part in providing the mechanisms and procedures for states to manage marine resources more broadly. However, the predominant mode of governance for Arctic maritime activities will remain unilateral management by each of the coastal states. Thus, the national and local legal and political framework needs to be mapped. In this article we will explore and explain how aqua/-mariculture is governed in the United States (Alaska) and Norway (North Norway). This will be done by examining how parameters for blue economic projects are defined and determined at the international, regional, national and local governance level. Thus, our article will illustrate the complexity behind the blue economy. There is no such thing as one blue economy and no such thing as one Arctic, but it is still possible to find common ground and avenues for knowledge and best practice exchange. By this we will bring the academic and political discussions about the blue economy on the right track.
Free
Scientific article
The article considers the relationship of social capital, institutional and interpersonal trust, and entrepreneurial activity on the data of the Arkhangelsk Oblast. The authors, following R. Putnam, analytically distinguish two types of social capital - bonding and bridging. The level of the former is measured by interpersonal trust indices, while the latter is measured by general and institutional trust indices. Based on the analysis of the sociological survey results, conducted by the authors of the article, it is shown that the level of bonding capital, based on trust in the nearest social environment, is quite high in the Arkhangelsk Oblast, but there is a shortage of bridging capital that based on trust in public institutions and civil solidarity. It is shown that the deficit of bridging social capital, associated with a low level of trust in institutions, increases the transaction costs of market agents like entrepreneurs, which negatively affects the implementation of the region's entrepreneurial potential. Thus, it is proved that the amount of social capital is a key non-economic factor that reduces the investment rating and entrepreneurial activity indicators in the region against the backdrop of low dynamics of gross regional product and population incomes and increasing government spending to stimulate small and medium-sized businesses.
Free
The courage of economic decisions and the modern development of the Russian Arctic
Scientific article
The article analyzes the phenomenon of the courage of economic decisions in the development of the Russian Arctic. Courage is understood as a feature of contractual behavior - the ability to radically change or propose new conditions for an economic contract, which leads to dramatic shifts in the territorial, technological and organizational structure of the development process. In the modern development of the Arctic, new factors that affect the boldness of economic decisions are considered. First of all, it is climate change that pushes the boundaries of what is possible for maritime logistics, for the arrangement and extraction of the Arctic’s natural resources from offshore platforms. The manifestations of courage as a result of “infection” from small venture companies for large corporations and as a forced result of a contractual inter-corporate conflict are also considered. For modern development, important factors that determine the boldness of decisions are logistics, platform technology, and the complete or partial abandonment of the use of icebreakers in favor of specialized ice-strengthened ships. An estimation was made of the courage of business decisions for 24 projects of modern exploration of the Arctic resources using the U-ETO algorithm: according to 12 indicators grouped in blocks of “uniqueness”, “environment”, “technology”, and “organization”. As a result of this assessment, it was concluded that the courage of economic decisions is not directly related to the capital intensity of investment projects: relatively modest mining projects of new development can exceed super-capital intensive investment megaprojects for the development of hydrocarbons (e.g., Bovanenkovo or Vankor) if they rely on innovative technologies, organizational scheme and marine environment for its logistics, production, and processing. A major contradiction in the modern development of the Russian Arctic is the contrast between the uniqueness of the natural assets of the field and the traditional methods of its arrangement and development.
Free
The education system development as a factor in the demographic growth of the Far North of Russia
Scientific article
The Far North is an important area that, to a great extent, determines the prospects for the socioeconomic development of Russia. Nevertheless, no particular synthetic development program for these territories has been worked out. Existing programs for the development of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation pay very little attention to demography and education. Based on Rosstat data and expert assessments, the author considers the dynamics of the age and educational structures of the population of the Far North. Special attention is paid to the group under 30 years old since it is the primary consumer of the education services. The author also addresses the question of how the development of the education system affects the demographic and economic development of the Far North. It has been argued that since 1990 the number and proportion of young people have declined significantly and will continue to decline until 2035. The European part of the Far North has a much worse dynamic compared to the Asian one. The educational structure of the population of the Far North is close to the total in the country, but the proportion of the people with secondary vocational education is higher but declining. It reflects the economy features of this macroregion. The examples discussed in the article prove the development of education will have a positive effect on demographic and economic indicators.
Free
The innovative vector of the Nordic countries’ competitiveness: case of Sweden
Scientific article
Innovation and competitiveness are among key research topics in the social, economic and hu-manitarian fields. This article describes specific aspects of innovation policy in Sweden, one of the dynami-cally developing Northern European countries. This development is confirmed by the position of the coun-try in the global innovation and competitiveness rankings. It is shown that high position of Sweden arises from the successful use of its geographic location, the “welfare state” model put into practice, the effective interactions of the state, science, and business, the implementation of research policy, according to which universities and research, and educational centers, involved in technology clusters formation, play an im-portant role. The existing Arctic strategy developed in Sweden adds relevance to the research. The Arctic strategy states that “growth and competitiveness based on overcoming trade barriers, research and educa-tion system, as well as on international cooperation within the Arctic Council, the EU and the UN” will have crucial significance for the sustainable social and economic development of the state. From a practical point of view, the Swedish experience in the formation of an innovation economy, which includes northern re-gions as well, is of interest for the Russian subarctic areas. The article can be used for the educational pro-cess at universities. It is relevant for civil servants and researchers, economists and geographers involved in forecasting and territorial development of the northern regions.
Free
